Are you on the fence about upgrading to Windows 8? The new Metro UI and the lack of Windows Media Center have made many Maximum PC readers vow to stockpile Windows 7 OEM discs in a drawer somewhere. Microsoft's countering the worry with a competitive price point: through January 31st, upgrading from Windows 7, XP or Vista will only cost you $39.99 for a digital download. That's to the fancy-schmancy Windows 8 Pro, to boot -- and you can choose to toss in Windows Media Center for free during installation.

Microsoft ran through the upgrade process in a blog post today. Windows 7 users can drag whatever they want along for the Windows 8 ride, including apps, personal files and system settings; Vista users can't port over apps, while XP users can bring personal files and nothing else. The installation process lets you start off clean with a fresh install, too, of course.

A physical retail version will be available during the same time from for $69.99. Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro System Builder versions will also be knocking around for the DIYers like you and me, but there's no word on how much that license will cost. People who buy a Windows 7 PC in the next few months will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $15.